Overview
This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Participants will be randomly assigned to an EA group, a sham EA group, or a waiting-list control group. All participants will receive monotherapy with one of three SSRIs: sertraline, paroxetine, or escitalopram. The medication will be selected by a psychiatrist according to clinical suitability, previous treatment response, and tolerability. The primary goal is to observe the reduction in anxiety symptoms using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Additionally, resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) will be performed before and after a single session of EA or sham EA, or a duration-matched rest period in the waiting-list control group, to assess acute changes in functional connectivity (FC), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- the patient has been taking the same anxiolytic medication consistently for 2 weeks prior to enrollment.
- HAMA score ≥ 14.
- Right-handed（for MRI).
- Aged 18-60 years, with at least primary school education.
- Signed informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Complicated with severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or organic diseases.
- History of other psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
- Contraindications for MRI (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia).
- Pregnancy or lactation.
